News Summary
The San Antonio Zoo has achieved recognition as the second-best zoo in the United States, as per Newsweek’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards. This accolade highlights the zoo’s significant growth and commitment to enhancing visitor experiences, including unique after-hours access tours. The zoo also plans to unveil a new exhibit featuring animatronic insects and celebrates local community support with special promotions. Notably, the zoo recently welcomed an African pygmy falcon chick, emphasizing its dedication to conservation and education.
San Antonio, Texas – The San Antonio Zoo has been voted the second-best zoo in the United States according to Newsweek’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards. This ranking includes 10 top zoos across the nation, selected by a panel of travel experts and determined by votes from readers. Previously, the San Antonio Zoo secured the third position in 2022, marking a significant improvement in its status among animal attractions.
Newsweek recognized the zoo’s remarkable transformation from a small collection of buffalos and bears into a vast establishment housing thousands of animals across a variety of global exhibits. This growth highlights the zoo’s commitment to expanding its offerings and enhancing visitor experiences. Among the popular features are beloved after-hours access tours, which provide unique opportunities for guests to explore the zoo outside regular hours.
In addition to its ranking, the San Antonio Zoo is set to premiere a new exhibit titled Big Bug on Saturday. This exciting showcase will include animatronic insects such as ladybugs, mosquitoes, spiders, caterpillars, snails, beetles, butterflies, dragonflies, and bees, providing a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
In recognition of the community’s support, the zoo will celebrate Teacher’s Appreciation Month starting June 1 with special deals and promotions. Furthermore, on a designated Locals Day, residents of Bexar County can enjoy admission for only $8 by presenting proof of residency. This initiative aims to foster local engagement with the zoo’s ongoing conservation, animal care, and educational efforts.
Among the zoo’s recent attractions is an African pygmy falcon chick, which was born on March 18, and has become a sensation on social media. At a mere weight of 6.5 grams — comparable to a U.S. quarter — this chick is notable for being the only pygmy falcon hatched in any U.S. zoo in the past year. This marks the twelfth pygmy falcon to hatch at the San Antonio Zoo, and the first of its kind since 2004.
The chick’s parents, Squiggy and Laverne, came to San Antonio from the San Diego Zoo and represent the smallest raptors in Africa, growing to only eight inches in length. They are known for their unique nesting habits, further underscoring the zoo’s commitment to showcasing diverse wildlife. The zoo’s aviculture team has been praised for their expertise and dedication to caring for the new chick, ensuring it thrives as part of their conservation and educational mission.
The San Antonio Zoo’s recent accolades, community engagement initiatives, and exciting new exhibits highlight its role as a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts and local residents alike. The zoo not only provides entertainment but also plays an essential role in conservation and education, making it a valuable asset to both the city of San Antonio and wildlife preservation efforts across the globe.
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum Local News
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Zoo
- San Antonio Current
- Google Search: San Antonio Zoo
- KSAT
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Zoo
- Texas Monthly
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Zoo
- Fox San Antonio
- Google News: San Antonio Zoo
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
